CHAPTER 2

"Go on," Shadow replies, dryly.

"I feel like Sonic and I are continuously moving two steps forward and one step back. Hell, maybe two steps back. All he does is tease me, and get a laugh out of me. Of course, I take no defeat, as I know its some kind of coping mechanism he has. But that's no way to treat me! And he didn't used to treat me this way, either. I'm not obsessive and I'm not immature like I used to be, so I don't see why he can't just treat me like a normal person, like he would with Knuckles, Tails or Sticks."

"I see… " Shadow mutters, taking in what Amy has just said. "When he does these things, do you feel a certain way? Angry? Irritated?"

"Yes! I feel so, so very angry."

"What possible reason could there be for him treating you this way?" Shadow asks, already knowing the answer in his head.

"I don't know. Maybe he's sexist, or maybe he's mad that I've changed." Amy gasps. "Maybe its because he thinks I don't love him anymore? Maybe he's upset that I don't chase after him…?

Shadow smiles. "It is Sonic," he shakes his head. "He does crave attention. Try and look at it this way, Amy.

"If you had someone who loved you for a long time, and always chased after you, feeding your ego, coming back even when you rejected them - you'd feel…?"

"Pretty damn special." Amy responds, smiling faintly.

"Yes. And if that went away for no apparent reason, how would you feel then?"

"Disappointed…?"

"And how might you behave, Amy?"

"…I might… try to get the attention back…. which is weird, because I might not have even known I'd wanted it in the first place! Oh my god, that's whats happening with Sonic!"

Shadow smiles, then frowns. "Yes. You have your answer. But that doesn't mean you should change your behaviour. The way you are doesn't need to change for Sonic, or anyone. It just needs to reflect what you believe and want. And I think it does. Don't you?"

"Yeah… But, I want Sonic and I to be friends…"

"And you are." Shadow sighs. "Perhaps your feelings are more than platonic?"

Amy goes red, and stammers. "I—I… No! Sonic… he's not even my type. I mean, I don't even think I have a type — but if I did, it would be: Not-Sonic."

Shadow giggles. "Okay, Amy. Listen, it's not my role to judge. But I think you might need to come to terms with your feelings before you can resolve this - if you try to act on these uncertain feelings, you could end up causing more damage than ease. Do you understand what I mean?"

"Yeah, I do! Wow. Thanks, Shadow."

Amy grabs her stuff ready to leave, and Shadow gets a phone call. "Shoot. I'll see you next time you come in, Amy - I have to take this. It's for a client."

Amy smiles and waves goodbye, walking out the door with a bit more weight off her shoulders. As she closes the door, Shadow answers the phone.

"Yes, of course. Everythings going well so far. Just how we wanted." He hesitates, listening to the phone. "I can see this going in our favour. Believe me… She's just my type."